Primary Navigation

Search

7 films you didn't know Michael Shannon was in

While he might now be known as the go-to guy for cinematic intensity, Michael Shannon hasn't always been do recognisable. Before he struck big with roles in Boardwalk Empire and this summer's Man of Steel, he spent years toiling away in the background.

To remind you of this, we've found seven examples of films you didn't realise Shannon was lurking in. Gawp away.

(Images: All Star, YouTube)

Pearl Harbor

Year: 2001

Character: Lt Gooz Wood

In all fairness, you might have been sleeping through this part. Staying awake throughout this three-hour epic failure would be a monumental waste of energy. In the middle of a large cast, Shannon starred as a pilot alongside a rather uncomfortably American Ewan Bremner.

8 Mile

Year: 2002

Character: Greg Buehl

Showcasing some of the menace that we'd come to expect in his work, Shannon cropped up in this hit hip-hop drama as Kim Basinger's abusive boyfriend. The film does boast the curious sight of watching General Zod get his ass handed to him by Eminem.

Groundhog Day

One of those "no way" inclusions, Shannon's first big screen role saw him play an excitable newlywed who finds himself indebted to Bill Murray. After watching this, it's hard to imagine the depraved acts we'd end up seeing Shannon do on screen later in his career...

Bad Boys II

Year: 2003

Character: Floyd Poteet

If you've endured this very loud sequel once then you're probably thinking that there's very little reason to give it another watch. You'd mostly be right but buried in the middle of a very loud scene lies a surprising turn from Shannon as a Klu Klux Klan member. Handily, you can see him in the clip above, therefore preventing you from ever seeing the entire film again.

Kangaroo Jack

Year: 2003

Character: Frankie Lombardo

Looking back on his career, Shannon will probably choose to casually ignore mentioning his pre-fame role as a bad guy in this critically reviled kids movie. The silver lining? A fully famous Christopher Walken also starred.

World Trade Center

Year: 2006

Character: Marine Sgt. Dave Karnes

Nearing the end of his era as "that guy who crops up in stuff", Shannon was part of the large ensemble cast of Oliver Stone's underwhelming tribute to the heroes of 9/11. It might have made double the amount that United 93 made but it had less impact on critics.

Before The Devil Knows You're Dead

Graduating from "guy who thanks Bill Murray" to "guy who threatens Ethan Hawke", this hugely acclaimed crime thriller saw Shannon land a plum supporting role alongside Hawke and Philip Seymour Hoffman. But yeah, we totally forgot he was in it as well.